What to Take for a Headache during Pregnancy

You’ve done your homework: you know what foods can trigger headaches during pregnancy. You read up on the many causes of headaches in pregnancy. You are also aware of the many conditions that may initially manifest as headaches.

However, do you know what to take for a headache during pregnancy? What drugs are particularly safe for a woman carrying a child?

Before deciding on what to take for a headache during pregnancy, it is important for a pregnant woman to learn about the more conservative ways of dealing with headaches.

Some headaches are triggered by tyramine, a substance found in aged cheese, meat, and ripe fruits. This substance causes dilation of blood vessels in the brain, ultimately causing pregnancy headaches.

It is, therefore, best to stay away from aged cheese and overripe fruits; stick to processed cheese and fresh fruits instead.

Some other food items also cause headaches. Foods with artificial colors and flavoring may precipitate headaches; therefore, avoid processed or preserved meats, dried fruits, and jams with preservatives.

You should also consider steering clear of pickled and fermented foods and artificial sweeteners. All these have been found to either cause or aggravate headaches.

Emotional stress lowers your threshold for pain. Therefore, find ways to relieve stress, such as getting a massage, taking a nap, and learning some breathing techniques. Try taking a break whenever you feel a headache starting.

A quiet room may give you relief; stay away from noisy places while recuperating from a bad headache. While you are pregnant, you might also want to resume old hobbies, such as scrapbooking or reading novels; these help you manage stress effectively.

Some types of a headache are relieved by warm compresses;

Others, on the other hand, will benefit more from a cold compress. Migraines, which are brought about by dilated blood vessels, are alleviated by cold compresses.

The cold temperature helps decrease the blood vessel caliber back to normal, eventually relieving the migraine in the process. On the other hand, if your headache is due to tight scalp muscles and tense neck muscles, warm compresses are the preferred remedy.

It may also help to get some exercise.

Exercise increases the body’s endorphin levels; in turn, the endorphin acts to relieve pain. Exercise also increases the pain threshold, eventually relieving pregnancy headaches and other aches and pains.

As you already know, regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and well-being. Proper exercise is very likely to help reduce frequency and severity of headaches. It is important, however, to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine, in order to avoid risks and select the best program for your body.

If none of the above solutions bring enough relief, you may need to consult your doctor regarding what to take for a headache during pregnancy.

Actually, there are several analgesics which you may purchase over the counter that is proven safe for use during pregnancy. Paracetamol, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is a good example of an analgesic commonly used during pregnancy.

It is proven not to harm the fetus and may provide relief for pregnancy headaches and other body pains.

Your physician can also help pinpoint the specific cause of your headache. Seeking consult is, therefore, prudent if you are experiencing headaches during pregnancy.

What to Take for a Headache during Pregnancy, Last Update: 29/4/2017